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Proposal to put bars on Gold Coast beaches sparks debate

<p>Plans to introduce permanent beach bars on the Gold Coast have sparked debate among locals. </p> <p>"Selling off public beach for commercial enterprise that then excludes people that can't go afford to go in there and have a drink," one resident told<em> Nine News</em>. </p> <p>The proposal came as Queensland seeks to boost its tourism industry in anticipation of the Olympic Games in 2032.</p> <p>"We have to keep reinventing ourselves as a tourism destination and we have 55 kilometres of oceanfront," acting Mayor Donna Gates said.</p> <p>A trial was conducted for at Kurrawa beach in 2022 and it drew mixed reactions. </p> <p>"Really disliked it," one resident said. </p> <p>"I would walk past each day and see all of this area that's shaded and beautiful for people to sit, to enjoy the beach, to watch the volleyball – all of it was blocked off."</p> <p>Gates has confirmed the bars could return to beaches as early as summer next year under another three-year trial, with a view to locking in a long-term lease agreement for six months each year. </p> <p>"There will be people who don't like beach bars but they can go to a different beach," the acting Mayor said. </p> <p>"There would only be one or two initially and I think we can cope with that."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Indulge in first-class luxury with L’Occitane’s enchanting Christmas range

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to luxurious, first-class skin and body care, L’Occitane has long been at the top of the game. </p> <p dir="ltr">With their enchanting scents and captivating formulas, it's no surprise that L'Occitane have once again released a decadent Christmas range, with new tantalizing scents. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Citrus Road limited edition gift packs feature four new scents: Shea Combawa, Rose Citron, Shea Kumquat and Almond Citron Luminciana. Each of these new scents feature a unique balance of citrus and floral, reinventing classic L’Occitane products with new fragrances. </p> <p dir="ltr">This year’s Christmas collection offers gift packs of the new scents, featuring an array of body mists, the iconic shower oils, body lotions, hand creams and shower gels, each available for just $139. </p> <p dir="ltr">For those on a more mindful budget, L’Occitane are once again offering their Christmas ornaments that are stacked with mini products and retailing for just $25, as well as a selection of stocking stuffers ranging between $35 and $49. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBdKO3pAqm6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBdKO3pAqm6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by L’Occitane en Provence | ANZ (@loccitaneanz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">For the L’Occitane loyalists who are all too excited for December 25th, countdown to Christmas with the Deluxe and Classic advent calendars, giving you a new product to indulge in every day of the festive month. You can get your hands on the Classic calendar for just $125, or the Deluxe calendar - that boasts a $403 value - for $199. </p> <p dir="ltr">These gifts are a treat for the senses, and while available at every budget, you will never be compromising on quality. The L’Occitane Holiday range is available both in-store and online. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / Supplied</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Sam Armytage breaks silence on Golden Bachelor

<p>After months of speculation about her potential new role, Samantha Armytage has confirmed she will be the host of <em>The Golden Bachelor</em>, hitting screens in 2025. </p> <p>Armytage said she is delighted to "be part of the Nine family" after her long-running career with Channel Seven, as she shared her excitement about the upcoming show that has already taken American audiences by storm. </p> <p>"I think you're all going to love this. It's love for the golden ages," Armytage said. </p> <p>"This show is about finding love for those who have lost love, or are looking for love a second time around. It's going to be beautiful and I can't wait."</p> <p>The show will see one charming <em>Golden Bachelor </em>embark on a heartfelt journey to find a soulmate, with Samantha guiding him every step of the way as he seeks a partner who can share the joys and adventures of life's later chapters.</p> <p>The show was announced at Channel 9's annual Upfronts events alongside its dazzling new host, who said she was excited to start the new hosting gig. </p> <p>"When I got the call to join the show, I didn't hesitate," she said. "[<em>The Golden Bachelor</em>] has been huge in America, and I have a feeling it's gonna be huge in Australia, too."</p> <p>Now that the show and host have been announced, attention has turned to finding Australia's first <em>Golden Bachelor</em> and the women he'll date to find true love.</p> <p>Armytage explained: "<em>The Golden Bachelor</em> is an extension of the original format but for people in their 50s and 60s, so we're appealing to the Golden Ages and people who have had love in the past and now want to find another love – a new love."</p> <p>"You're young at heart. You feel like an adventure. You're looking for some romance and you're looking for real love," she said. "This is about finding real love."</p> <p>Armytage is also encouraging young adults with parents or even grandparents who might be open to love to apply, saying, "This is going to be a great show, and you are really gonna wanna be part of this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

Warning for travellers after Gold Coast man cops $13k fine

<p>A man has copped a whopping fine after allegedly hurling abuse at airline staff at the Gold Coast airport. </p> <p>The 61-year-old man from Tasmania has been accused of verbally abusing an airport staff member before failing to co-operate with intervening police, and has subsequently been charged with allegedly obstructing police and being a public nuisance.</p> <p>The man faced Coolangatta Magistrates Court on Monday, with the Federal Police warning other travellers that such behaviour would warrant a fine. </p> <p>“The maximum penalty for each offence is six months’ imprisonment or a $6452 fine,” the AFP said.</p> <p>The AFP warned travellers aggression would not be tolerated in airports, as Superintendent Mark Yarrow said, “Our airports are a shared space and airport staff should not be subjected to verbal abuse or any other bad behaviour.”</p> <p>“Our airports are a shared space and airport staff should not be subjected to verbal abuse or any other bad behaviour."</p> <p>“The AFP works closely with our partners in the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour in or around an airport becomes aggressive.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Ian Thorpe lists luxury home at a discount

<p>Ian Thorpe has returned his luxury Woollahra townhouse to the market for a price of $3.5 million. </p> <p>The Olympic gold medallist previously listed it on the market for $3.7 million in September last year but failed to find a buyer at that price. </p> <p>The townhouse boasts four-bedrooms and three-bathrooms and sits on 250sqm of land. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful outdoor tropical garden. </p> <p>Thorpe purchased the home in December 2017 for $2.75 million and has since done extensive renovation work to the property. He remodelled the terrace and added in stylish sliding doors. It also features open plan living areas perfect for families. </p> <p>"It's completely private and secluded," letting agent Courtney Wong told <em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em> in 2023. </p> <p>A description for the property reads: "For those seeking a private escape with all the comforts of a luxury home, this is everything you could have dreamed of and more.</p> <p>"A true gem tucked away at the quiet rear of a boutique block of only six, this residence represents the perfect mix of modernity and the natural world with its contemporary architectural design in a tranquil leafy setting."</p> <p><em>Images: Ray White Double Bay/ Instagram</em></p>

Home & Garden

Michael Schumacher's daughter ties the knot at luxury Spanish villa

<p>Gina Schumacher has officially married her partner Ian Bethke. </p> <p>The 27-year-old daughter of racing icon Michael Schumacher, tied the knot in an ultra-private ceremony in Mallorca on Sunday, September 30. </p> <p>The happy couple, who reportedly met while at riding school, had a stunning ceremony at the Schumacher family home, Villa Yasmin, in Puerto De Andraitx.</p> <p>"Forever yes to you, yes to forever ❤️" she wrote in an Instagram update. </p> <p>Set near the beach, with a beautiful view of the mountains, the newlyweds shared an embrace, with the beautiful bride in a creamy white lace gown that she accessorised with dainty jewelry. </p> <p>Gina opted for a low, tousled ponytail which highlighted her natural features. </p> <p>The groom donned a pinstripe suit with a dark grey tie and crisp white dress shirt. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAejBeBoJ8T/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAejBeBoJ8T/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Gina Schumacher (@gina_schumacher)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Michael's brother, Ralf Schumacher, was also in attendance and shared a snap with his boyfriend, Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne, who he has been publicly dating since July.</p> <p>They shared a glimpse of the wedding with a photo of them posing in front of a sunset, with the caption: "We had a wonderful time in #Mallorca. The sunsets and the atmosphere were magical ✨✨✨."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAglZouMUDd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAglZouMUDd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne (@etn_cst)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans congratulated Gina and her husband on their new milestone.</p> <p>"Congratulations Gina you look gorgeous, your great dad will be so proud of you," one wrote. </p> <p>"Congratulations to both of you. ❤️" added another. </p> <p>"All the best and happiness + health for the whole family," wrote a third. </p> <p>It has yet to be confirmed whether Michael was in attendance, as the former race car driver has not been seen publicly since his skiing injury in 2013. </p> <p>German publications report the ceremony was kept secret until the announcement on social media. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Aussie gold medallist withdraws on eve of Paralympics to be with dying mother

<p>An Australian athlete has withdrawn from the Aussie Paralympic team just hours before the event is set to begin. </p> <p>Heath Davidson, a 37-year-old wheelchair tennis player from the Mornington Peninsula, announced on Monday night that he would not be making the trip to Paris for the Games as he will spend time with his mother who has been moved into palliative care.</p> <p>Davidson announced the news in a statement on Instagram, explaining his reasoning behind the "difficult decision". </p> <p>"I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2024 Paralympics. My mum has been admitted into palliative care and I want to be here at home with her during this time," he wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ISWSIz4r0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ISWSIz4r0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Heath Davidson (@heathdavidson13)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Aussie Paralympic team was quick to throw their support behind Davidson, with Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin saying, “Heath is a much-loved member of the Australian Paralympic Team. He adds spark to the Village with his quick wit and cheery personality.”</p> <p>“We’ll miss having him here in Paris, but we all understand that family comes first and we know he’s made the right decision for himself and his family. We want Heath to know that every member of the team is wrapping their arms around him virtually from Paris.”</p> <p>The 2024 Games in Paris would've been Davidson's third Paralympics, after won gold in the wheelchair tennis doubles alongside Dylan Alcott at the Rio De Janeiro Games in 2016, with the pair then backing it up with a silver medal in Tokyo 2021. </p> <p><em>Image credits: SportsPressJP/AFLO/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

Larry Emdur takes home Gold Logie in star-studded awards

<p>The 2024 TV Week Logies kicked off on Sunday night to celebrate the world of Australian TV and entertainment, with actors and presenters alike dressing in their best frocks and heading to Sydney's The Star. </p> <p>For the second year in a row, hosting the show was Sam Pang, known for his hilarious comedy on <em>Have You Been Paying Attention?</em> on Channel Ten, as he took to the stage for a memorable opening monologue. </p> <p>Pang used the Logies stage, which was being broadcast by Channel Seven, to take a swipe at the struggling network, roasting Seven for their spate of recent scandals, such as the Bruce Lehrmann-<em>Spotlight</em> scandal</p> <p>"Firstly, Channel 7, well, I'm just letting you all know I'm going to say whatever I want tonight," he said as he kicked things off. </p> <p>"I stand before you safe in the knowledge that whatever I say, this network will defend me in court, and with their impeccable record in defamation cases over the last 12 months I reckon I'll be fine."</p> <p>Amid a string of jobs being cut at Seven, Sam then joked that he wasn't getting paid by the network for his hosting gig and said they would instead be paying his rent.</p> <p>"Full disclosure - I'm not getting paid by Channel Seven tonight. Instead, for the next 12 months, they're paying my rent," he quipped. "Which is handy as they'll know what address to send the Thai masseuse to."</p> <p>Pang then took aim at Network Ten, his usual employer, to call out their difficult year of cancelled shows. </p> <p>"It's been a tough 12 months for Channel Ten, although they did bring back <em>Deal Or No Deal</em> hosted by Grant Denyer, a show where contestants get to open a briefcase and try to guess how much money the network is losing each week," he said. </p> <p>As the awards ceremony kicked off, one young talent stole the hearts of the nation, as 15-year-old Felix Cameron, who recently starred in Netflix's drama <em>Boy Swallows Universe</em> based on the novel by Trent Dalton, took home two awards: the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent and Best Lead Actor in a Drama. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-z8mimvbAK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-z8mimvbAK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by TV Week Magazine (@tvweekmag)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>More tears flooded the stage when acting legend Rebecca Gibney was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her decades of work in the Aussie TV industry. </p> <p>Gibney was surprised as a myriad of co-hosts reflected on memories they shared on set, with Hugh Jackman even sending in a video message to share how she is "perfection and excellence personified". </p> <p>Presenting Gibney with the award was her son Zachary, who gave an emotional speech about his mum and her stellar career. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-0krp3zp7j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-0krp3zp7j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Zac Bell 🦝 (@zacpuff)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I feel so lucky to have been raised by someone with so much love to give and be guided through life watching her show so much kindness to everyone that she meets...</p> <p>"So many people love Rebecca Gibney, the actor. I will always love her as the kindest, most-loving mum anyone could ask for. And, tonight, all of us in this room, and industry, celebrate her. I love you, Ma, to the moon and back and I'm so proud of you."</p> <p>Rounding out the night was the award everyone was waiting for: the coveted Gold Logie. </p> <p><em>The Morning Show</em> host Larry Emdur took out the gold, in a move which surprised even him as he explained in his acceptance speech, reflecting on being “television’s most axed man”. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-0HQ_ZP0gV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-0HQ_ZP0gV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Channel 7 (@channel7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I love television. I’ve never done anything else, and I’ve never wanted to do anything else,” he said.</p> <p>During his speech, Larry also recalled a promise he made if he were to win the award, recalling, “I just remembered I did say if I won this, during the week ... I was so convinced that I wasn’t going to win this that I said that if I did win it, I would have all the nominees’ initials tattooed on my a*** live tomorrow morning,” he said, prompting the room to explode into laughter.</p> <p>“We’ll see you on The Morning Show tomorrow I guess.“</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven/Norman Ko/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Aussie dad's life-changing $100,000 find

<p>After seven years of hunting for lost items with his metal detector, one Vi dad has struck gold - unearthing a nugget worth about $100,000. </p> <p>Luke Phillips, who shares metal-detecting videos on his YouTube channel <em>Dig It Detecting</em>, recorded the moment found the nugget in the Goldfields region. </p> <p>Phillip initially found tiny flecks of gold in the 150-year-old miner's hole dating back to the Victorian gold rush. It was when he decided to run his detector over a moss-covered log that he heard a faint signal.</p> <p>He rolled the log over and thought he might actually be digging for a horseshoe before repeatedly exclaiming “oh my god” as he realises it was something much bigger. </p> <p>“This is probably the deepest target I’ve ever dug for gold,” Phillips said in the video. </p> <p>“Holy smokes! Mate, we didn’t dig that far for no reason,” he says to his friend, Andrew, as they unearthed the nugget. </p> <p>“Holy smokes, if we didn’t get a gram before we’ve certainly got it now.</p> <p>“Holy f***, look at it!”</p> <p>Phillips then joked his friend would not need his glasses to see the nugget.</p> <p>“I’ve never witnessed or seen or experienced something quite like this,” Phillips said. “I didn’t expect to see gold. That is so cool.”</p> <p>Phillips continued to excavate a larger hole, and couldn't hide how astonished he was. </p> <p>“I never thought I would see this day where I was going to unearth a nugget,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s like an egg ... that’s like a freaking egg.”</p> <p>He took the nugget home where he cleaned it and weighed it at 868.4g.</p> <p>He has reportedly sold the nugget since finding it back in May, and although the sale price was confidential, it was likely to have been sold for a six-figure-price. </p> <p>"It was an exhilarating feeling — I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. That moment in time will be with me forever," Phillips told <em>9News</em>.</p> <p>The discovery and sale of the gold nugget has been "life-changing" for Phillips after he had to stop working full time due to health issues a few years ago. </p> <p>He said that the nugget will help out his family in a "big way". </p> <p>"It's not something I'm going to retire on, of course, but it will pay some bills off and we can put a bit on the mortgage, or buy a car," he said.</p> <p><em>Images: YouTube</em></p>

Money & Banking

Australia to introduce new "gold standard" in ID verification

<p>The Australian government is set to introduce a new "gold standard" in ID verification that will protect valuable information from potential data leaks. </p> <p>Government Services Minister Bill Shorten will is set to use his address to the National Press Club on Tuesday to announce the national Trust Exchange, or TEx program, which is currently at the “proof-of-concept stage”, and is slated to be rolled out at the end of the year. </p> <p>The program will connect to a user's MyGov Wallet or digital ID without the need to hand over any documents, allowing businesses to verify your identity using a government-issued QR code.</p> <p>The QR codes could be used for job applications, hotel bookings, or entry into a pub or RSL clubs, eliminating the need to hand over physical driver's licenses or passports.</p> <p>The technology will store information such as someone’s date-of-birth, address, citizenship, visa status, qualifications, occupational licences or working with children check, and other information already held by the government.</p> <p>"Services Australia is partnering with other government systems to develop TEx which would give Australians the ability to verify their identity and credentials based on official information already held by the Australian Government," Shorten is set to say in his National Press Club speech.</p> <p>"That means sharing only the personal information to get the job done, and in some cases, not handing over any personal information at all."</p> <p>“You control what details are exchanged. You then have in your wallet a record of sharing, say, your passport and trade certificate with your employer.”</p> <p>Shorten will say codes "digitally shake hands with your myGov wallet," leaving you with a record in your account of what you shared, and who you shared it with.</p> <p>"All that has been exchanged has been a digital 'thumbs up' from the Government that you are who you say you are," Shorten will say.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Legal

"I am a woman": Boxer launches legal action after gold medal win

<p>Imane Khelif has filed an official complaint over online bullying and harassment she has been subject to throughout the course of the Paris Olympics.</p> <p>The Algerian boxer, who took home the gold medal in the women's competition, has been at the centre of a wave of abuse over her gender, with misinformation circulating over her gender. </p> <p>According to Khelif's lawyer Nabil Boudi, the gold medallist has filed a legal complaint in France for online harassment.</p> <p>“The boxer Imane Khelif has decided to begin a new fight, a fight for justice, dignity and honour,” Boudi said in a statement, saying Khelif had filed the complaint for “aggravated online harassment … to Paris prosecutors”.</p> <p>He added, “The investigation will determine who was behind this misogynist, racist and sexist campaign, but will also have to concern itself with those who fed the online lynching.”</p> <p>The “iniquitous harassment” the boxing champion had been subjected to would remain “the biggest stain on these Olympic Games”, said Boudi.</p> <p>On Saturday, Khelif emerged victorious in the women’s 66kg final against China’s Yang Liu in a unanimous points decision, having been the focus of intense scrutiny in the French capital for the duration of the Games. </p> <p>After her victory, Khelif said the gold medal she had won was the best response to her critics.</p> <p>Asked by reporters about the row over her eligibility, she said, “I am fully qualified to take part, I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman, lived a woman and competed as a woman.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ulrik Pedersen/CSM/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

"All or nothing": Arisa Trew shatters records to become Australia's youngest Olympic Gold Medallist

<p>Arisa Trew from the Gold Coast has made history by becoming Australia's youngest-ever medallist, clinching gold in the women's park skateboarding final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.</p> <p>At just 14 years and 90 days old, Trew has broken a 68-year-old record, previously held by swimmer Sandra Morgan from the Melbourne 1956 Olympics.</p> <p>Born on May 12, 2010, Trew is too young to vote, drink or even stay at the Olympic village. However, these limitations did not hinder her from delivering an extraordinary performance when it mattered most.</p> <p>Heading into her third and final run, Trew was in the bronze medal position and poised for a podium finish. However, her most impressive performance was yet to come. "My coach, Trev, he was just like, 'you've just got to go all out," she told Nine News after being crowned champion. "And I was just like, 'yep, who cares? Just all or nothing.'"</p> <p>With a remarkable score of 93.18 in her final run, Trew soared into the top spot. She then faced a tense wait as the higher-qualified skaters attempted to surpass her score. Despite the pressure, Trew showed sportsmanship by cheering on her competitors.</p> <p>After clinching the gold, the young athlete said, “I got told by a few people that I’m Australia’s youngest gold medallist, which is, like, pretty insane and really cool, because that’s, like, who I’m representing and, like, it’s just amazing.</p> <p>“It’s just, like, super cool that I have won the gold medal because it has been like a dream. I’m just, like, so excited.”</p> <p>This victory makes Trew Australia's youngest-ever medallist. The previous record had stood for 68 years since Sandra Morgan won gold in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay at the age of 14 years and 184 days. Trew, at 14 years and 90 days, has also become the youngest athlete to medal at Paris 2024 so far.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

International Travel

Jessica Fox reacts to her sister's gold medal victory

<p>The Fox sisters are now both Olympic gold medallists after Noemie Fox claimed her victory in the women's kayak cross. </p> <p>Noemie, who is the younger sister of three-time Olympic champion Jessica Fox, beat out silver medallist Angèle Hug from France, and the UK's Kimberley Woods in bronze. </p> <p>Following Noemie's win, Jess and their mother Myriam quickly jumped into the water to celebrate her victory at bottom of the slalom course.</p> <p>Jess then spoke candidly to Nine about her sister's win, hailing the "fairytale ending" to an almost unbelievably perfect Fox family Olympics.</p> <p>"I'm just full of emotion," Jess said, voice trembling, just moments after climbing out of the water at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.</p> <p>"And I'm so proud of her, and I'm just – I'm drenched, I jumped into the water. There's so much emotion in this moment. It's amazing.</p> <p>"I was just screaming. We were both screaming," Jess said. "She was like 'what is going on? What the hell' but she did it."</p> <p>"She is just so – I'm so happy for her, so happy for her."</p> <p>There were but three kayak gold medals up for grabs for women at Paris 2024 and the sisters are taking the whole set back with them to Sydney.</p> <p>As well as coaching her daughters to success, Myriam has an Olympic bronze medal to her name and dad Richard, who briefly bailed on his broadcast duties to celebrate with his two girls, won 10 world championships and finished fourth in the K1 at Barcelona 1992.</p> <p>"It means that poor dad is the only one without an Olympic medal," Jess joked.</p> <p>"What a moment for our family. What a moment for these games. You know, for the whole team, we've come away with three gold medals, and that's so special."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

International Travel

Gold medallist sleeps in Paris park to protest "disappointing" Olympic village conditions

<p>A gold medallist has been spotted sleeping in a Paris park in protest of the conditions in the Olympic village. </p> <p>Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was captured sleeping atop a white towel in a park located inside the Olympic village by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. </p> <p>Alireza posted the photo to Instagram with the caption, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow."</p> <p>The Italian swimmer, who won gold in the 100m backstroke, had already complained publicly about the accommodations in the Olympic Village, after he failed to reach the 200m backstroke final on Wednesday.</p> <p>Since the commencement of the Paris Games, many athletes have spoken out about the conditions in the Olympic village, saying the beds are uncomfortable, the rooms are poorly air conditioned and the food is poor quality. </p> <p>“There is no air-conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad,” Ceccon said, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/29673636/thomas-ceccon-sleeping-park-conditions-olympic-village-paris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sun</em>. </a></p> <p>“Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows."</p> <p>“I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise.”</p> <p>Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, also voiced concerns about how the quality of the village is affecting athletes, telling <em>The Times of London</em>, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates.”</p> <p>“And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.”</p> <p>A number of athletes, including the entire US women’s tennis team (with the exception of Coco Gauff) have left the village and searched for alternate accommodation for the duration of the Games. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Panoramic/SIPA/SIPA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Gold medallist breaks down in tears over her late father's note

<p>An Olympic gold medallist has broken down in tears as she recalled an emotional and poignant exchange she had with her father before he died of cancer. </p> <p>Lola Anderson claimed the gold medal for Team Great Britain in rowing, beating The Netherlands by just 0.15 seconds in the women’s quadruple sculls. </p> <p>In her victory interview with the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd06pg0k0wo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em>, Lola recalled a note her father Don had given her months before his death in 2019.</p> <p>Before his death, Lola's father asked her to retrieve a safety deposit box that contained an old diary entry that Lola wrote when she was just 14 years old. </p> <p>In it, she wrote about becoming an Olympic rowing champion after seeing Helen Glover win gold at London 2012.</p> <p>The note read: “My name is Lola Anderson and I think it would be my biggest dream in life to go to the Olympics and represent Team GB in rowing and, if possible, win a gold medal.”</p> <p>Lola soon threw the note in the bin as she started to doubt her dream, but unbeknownst to her, her father fished it out of the garbage and kept it, giving it back to her before he died. </p> <p>When asked about the note after the win, she told the <em>BBC</em>, “I’d forgotten about it obviously. A couple years ago my dad reminded me."</p> <p>“I know he’d be so, so proud. I’m just thinking a lot about him right now, it’s really lovely.”</p> <p>Speaking about the note to the <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/26/he-chose-to-believe-meet-lola-anderson-gb-rower-living-her-late-fathers-olympic-dream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a></em> before the Olympics, Anderson said her father, who introduced her to the sport, believed in her when she didn’t.</p> <p>“I kinda thought that was a really cocky, arrogant thing to have written. Back then, on a good day I wasn’t capsizing. I ripped the page out and threw it in the bin,” she said. </p> <p>“It reflects to me how much he cared, invested and believed in me and my siblings, even when we couldn’t see it. There was nothing to show I had any talent when I first started rowing but he kept the note and chose to believe.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC </em></p>

Family & Pets

Motive and cause of death revealed after six found dead in luxury hotel

<p>Six people found dead in a luxury hotel room in central Bangkok are believed to have died due to poisoning, according to Thai police. </p> <p>Authorities shared photo of the teacups found in the room on the fifth floor of the hotel, revealing they found traces of cyanide in the cups. </p> <p>The bodies of two American and four Vietnamese nationals were found by hotel staff on Tuesday evening, after staff entered the room to inform them it was past check out time. </p> <p>The group, made up of three men and three women aged between 37 and 56, likely drank from tea and coffee cups laced with cyanide following a dispute linked to bad investments, Thai police said on Wednesday.</p> <p>Photos of the crime scene released by authorities show a lack of struggle and violence, instead showing bodies scattered around the room among plates of untouched food, and two thermos flasks and cups.</p> <p>Initial examinations revealed the presence of cyanide in six cups, according to police.</p> <p>“The mouths and nails on all the bodies turned purple, showing a lack of air could be a joint reason of the cause of the death,” forensic doctor Kornkiat Vongpaisarnsin, told a press conference at the Chulalongkorn University.</p> <p>“We presume they all died from cyanide which causes a lack of air in some organs,” he added.</p> <p>Authorities initially said they were searching for a seventh person who was part of the hotel booking, but on Wednesday they dismissed this line of inquiry, saying they believe one of the dead people poisoned the others with the deadly fast-acting chemical cyanide.</p> <p>“We are convinced that one of the six people found dead committed this crime,” said Noppasil Poonsawas, a deputy commander of Bangkok police.</p> <p>That person, police said, had ordered the food and tea to the room and “looked under stress” when staff arrived.</p> <p>After conducting interviews with hotel staff, Noppasin said one of the members of the group was alone in the room when the food arrived and was later joined by the other guests.</p> <p>He added that the incident was likely linked to a “personal matter” and not related to organised crime as interviews carried out with relatives of the dead indicated a dispute over debt.</p> <p>“One of the relatives said one of the deceased was an investment agent and all (the deceased) invested, but the business was not going as expected. They made an appointment to discuss the matter in Thailand,” Noppasin said.</p> <p>Police believe that the woman who poisoned the group did so after she accrued huge debts related to an investment in a hospital in Japan, according to police sources cited by Vietnamese media. </p> <p>She had allegedly convinced a married couple and two other victims among the dead to pour funds into the project, but they had reportedly lost roughly $280,000 AUD as a result. </p> <p>Tran Dinh Dung, the father of one of the victims, said his 37-year-old son was due to return to Vietnam last Sunday.</p> <p>“I kept calling him but couldn’t get through so I was very worried, but I didn’t expect him to die in Thailand,” Dung said in an interview with Vietnam’s Thanh Nien newspaper.</p> <p>“Phu’s mother has fainted countless times, she could not bear this shock,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: AFP/Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Legal

Six people found dead in luxury hotel

<p>A disturbing theory has emerged after six people were found dead in a luxury hotel room in central Bangkok. </p> <p>According to Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police commissioner Thiti Saengsawang, hotel staff at the Grand Hyatt Erawan discovered the bodies of six people in a fifth-floor room after they missed check out time by more than 24 hours.</p> <p>After concluding that the incident did not appear to be a robbery and none of the bodies showed any signs of physical violence, Thai Police are exploring the possibility that the people were poisoned.</p> <p>Police shared that they "needed to find out the motives", and that the deaths were the result of a "killing", not a suicide.</p> <p>Authorities conformed they are investigating the potential poisoning after Thiti said cups with traces of a white powder were located in the room, along with untouched food that had been ordered earlier.</p> <p>As police continue their investigation into the shocking deaths, they are currently searching for a seventh person who was part of the hotel booking and is now a possible suspect.</p> <p>Two of the dead were US citizens of Vietnamese background, while the other four were Vietnamese nationals.</p> <p>Thiti said police believe one member of the group had tried to reach the door to escape but fell and died before they could get there.</p> <p>The Thai government issued a statement after the killings, with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin saying, "There were no signs of a struggle," adding, "We need to conduct an autopsy."</p> <p>He also "ordered all agencies to urgently take action to avoid impact on tourism,” given that the luxury hotel is situated in a popular tourist area.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC / Royal Thai Police </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Brittany Higgins ties the knot in Gold Coast wedding

<p>Brittany Higgins has tied the knot with her long-term partner David Sharaz in an intimate Gold Coast wedding surrounded by friends and family. </p> <p>The former political staffer took to Instagram on Sunday to share the happy news. </p> <p>"Today I married my best friend. 🤍" she wrote in the caption, alongside three photos from the ceremony. </p> <p>The pair married at The Valley Estate in Currumbin on the first day of winter, with the bride wearing a wedding dress featuring a long sleeve lace bodice and a tulle skirt. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7qtn0OPJwc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7qtn0OPJwc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Higgins and Shiraz got engaged on New Year's Eve in 2022, at Cape Byron lighthouse in Byron Bay NSW. </p> <p>"I didn't want to enter another year without you knowing I want to spend all my years with you, Brittany Higgins," Shiraz posted the day after he proposed to Higgins. </p> <p>"I'm the luckiest guy in the world."</p> <p>Their wedding comes just six weeks after Justice Michael Lee handed down his judgment in Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. </p> <p>The Federal Court found the allegation that he raped Brittany Higgins in a Parliament House office in March 2019 most likely true, and he has been forced to pay the majority of Network Ten's multi-million dollar <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/brutal-cost-of-bruce-lehrmann-s-failed-defamation-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legal fees</a>. </p> <p>After the ruling, Higgins released a lengthy statement saying: "It has been five years of criminal and civil trials and government inquiries for the truth to finally be heard.</p> <p>"It is now time to heal."</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Give the gift of sustainable luxury this Mother’s Day

<p dir="ltr">With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s time to celebrate the most important women in our lives with affordable luxury that doesn’t cost the earth. </p> <p dir="ltr">To spoil the mums in your life this year, discover the ideal gift to honour and celebrate your most treasured moments together with L’Occitane’s limited edition Mother’s Day collections. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can feel good about gifting these organic and sustainably sourced products to your loved ones, as L’Occitane have created these little luxuries while respecting and caring for everything the ground grows for us and beyond. </p> <p dir="ltr">By sourcing fair-trade and organic shea butter from women’s collectives in Burkina Faso and recently in Ghana, L’Occitane are dedicated to helping the local ecosystem and supporting the community. </p> <p dir="ltr">The L’Occitane group celebrates the official B Corp certification, demonstrating that as a business, they’re not just about beauty; they believe in Cultivating Change to create a fairer, more equitable and regenerative planet.</p> <p dir="ltr">This Mother’s Day, L’Occitane has something for everyone, with gift packs available for every budget, ranging from just $34 to the ultimate gift set priced at $280. </p> <p dir="ltr">From hand creams, body lotions and washes, to fragrances and luxury skin care, these limited edition gifting packs have exactly what you need to give the gift of indulgence this Mother’s Day. </p> <p dir="ltr">L’Occitane presents a superb range that embodies the essence of gratitude, showing appreciation through thoughtfully selected gifts that not only pamper, but also reflect a commitment to sustainable practices. </p> <p dir="ltr">It’s more than a gift; it’s a gesture that acknowledges the importance of those who have shaped our lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">L’Occitane’s Mother’s Day collection is available now both <a href="https://au.loccitane.com/mothers-day.html">online</a> and in-store. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Supplied / Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Influencer announces tragic death of six-week-old son

<p>TikTok influencer Veruca Salt, real name Kimberley Summer Hartley, took to Instagram to announce the tragic death of her six-week-old son, Cash. </p> <p>The Gold Coast - based influencer, 25, shared the tragic news just one day after she posted a TikTok of her taking her newborn bub out for his first hospital visit, as he hadn't pooped in seven days. </p> <p>On Monday morning she revealed that her son “died in his sleep”. </p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart that I’m writing this,” she wrote.</p> <p>“My baby died in his sleep on Monday morning. I don’t know what happened, he is having an autopsy this week but it is unlikely that I’ll ever have an answer.</p> <p>“I’m just saying this because people are still commenting on my TikToks saying how happy I look with him and ‘just wait for the toddler stage’ and stuff and I (really) can’t take it anymore. I’m really sorry.”</p> <p>In her most recent <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@verucasalt444/video/7332609198599032065?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7142332295764346370" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, she shared a clip of her grieving her son's death with the caption: "I knew he was dead but there was a part of me that really thought they were gonna wake him up." </p> <p>Fans have shared their condolences. </p> <p>"We are all standing by you Veruca. Take all the time you need ❤️" one wrote on TikTok. </p> <p>"I’ve never cried harder for a woman i don’t know, I'm so sorry Veruca the love you have for him never goes unnoticed," another commented. </p> <p>"Sending love this is the worst thing in the world to happen to anyone," a third added. </p> <p>"I'm so so sorry no mother should have to go through this💔" a fourth wrote. </p> <p>Queensland Police have confirmed the death, after they were called to a Southport unit at around 6.13am on February 5.</p> <p>The death is not being treated as suspicious.</p> <p>Police are currently awaiting autopsy results, Superintendent Craig Hanlon told the <em>Gold Coast Bulletin</em>. </p> <p>“It’s obviously a tragic situation and our hearts go out to the mother and the family.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ TikTok</em></p>

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